International

Enterprise train highlights new blueprint for cross-border cooperation on Good Friday Agreement anniversary

Monday, 9 June 2025 12:12AM UTC

Marking 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement, officials and experts praise the Enterprise train as a tangible success in north-south collaboration, urging expanded practical initiatives across sectors amid Brexit challenges.

In the context of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the role of cross-border services, particularly the Enterprise train service, has been highlighted as a prime example of effective collaboration between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This service has been lauded for breaking down barriers more profoundly than the various north-south bodies established under the Agreement itself. The comments, made by prominent figures including the DUP's Michelle McIlveen and Translink's Chief Executive Chris Conway, reflect a growing sentiment that practical initiatives are more impactful than political frameworks alone.

Initially contentious, the development of cross-border bodies in 1998 aimed to foster cooperation across several sectors, including health, education, and cultural exchange. Despite these efforts, a recent report from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) indicates that much of the potential for enhanced collaboration remains unfulfilled. The report calls for expanded initiatives that could further leverage the Agreement's foundational principles, suggesting that sectors like health and the environment are ripe for deeper integration. The report emphasises the benefits that could arise from a more ambitious approach to cooperation, reinforcing the idea that infrastructure projects like the Enterprise could serve as a model for other sectors.

Recent statistics show that an estimated 30,000 individuals cross the border daily for work, a clear indicator of the enhanced economic interdependence that has developed since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. This trend not only underscores the agreement's success in fostering stability but also highlights a broader cultural shift where cross-border cooperation is seen as vital for both economic resilience and community cohesion.

However, this progress faces challenges, particularly in light of Brexit. The potential reintroduction of border checks has sparked criticism from leaders like Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who acknowledges that such measures could significantly undermine the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement. Varadkar's concerns echo a growing consensus that maintaining free movement across the border is essential for preserving the peace and economic prosperity achieved over the past two decades.

Amid these uncertainties, the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has reaffirmed its commitment to developing cross-border health and social services. This dedication sends a strong message about the importance of collaboration in tackling issues that impact communities on both sides of the border, especially as new challenges arise in the post-Brexit landscape.

In summary, while the Enterprise service represents a significant step forward in cross-border cooperation, broader efforts must be made to realise the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement. As debates continue around the implications of Brexit, the call for enhanced, practical cooperation becomes increasingly vital to maintain the progress that has been made.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/sam-mcbride/the-cross-border-service-doing-more-to-break-down-barriers-than-all-the-north-south-bodies-combined/a1928866574.html - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/has-not-met-its-full-potential-cross-border-co-operation-could-be-expanded-says-new-report/a1753050257.html - A recent ESRI-Shared Island report indicates that cross-border cooperation in key areas outlined by the Good Friday Agreement has not reached its full potential. The study highlights opportunities for expansion in sectors such as education, health, and the environment, suggesting that increased collaboration could further enhance the benefits of the Agreement.
https://www.thedetail.tv/articles/cross-border-workers-increasingly-confident-part-of-all-island-economy-since-1998 - An estimated 30,000 individuals commute daily across the Ireland-Northern Ireland border for work, reflecting a growing confidence in the integrated cross-border economy since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. This trend underscores the success of the Agreement in fostering economic interdependence and stability.
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/the-belfast-agreement-20-years-on-a-tale-of-two-cities/36782261.html - Reflecting on the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, this article discusses the significant transformation in border dynamics. The once heavily militarised and monitored border has become largely invisible, symbolising the peace and cooperation achieved since the Agreement's signing.
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/varadkar-accepts-criticism-that-border-checks-undermine-good-friday-agreement/38478413.html - Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar acknowledges criticism that proposed border checks in a no-deal Brexit scenario could undermine the Good Friday Agreement. He outlines potential impacts, including checks on goods and live animals, and emphasises the need to balance these measures with the Agreement's principles.
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/neverendum-brexit-and-border-poll-prospects-threaten-good-friday-agreement-prosperity/42297584.html - This article highlights concerns that Brexit and potential border polls could threaten the economic and social gains achieved under the Good Friday Agreement. It calls for enhanced cooperation among the governments of Belfast, Dublin, and London to safeguard the Agreement's benefits.
https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/joint_committee_on_the_implementation_of_the_good_friday_agreement/2022-02-10/2/ - The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement discusses ongoing cross-border health and social care services. Despite uncertainties like Brexit, the Committee remains committed to maintaining and developing collaborative services to improve the lives of those in border areas.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative references recent developments, including the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and a recent ESRI report from April 2025. The article was published on 9 June 2025, indicating timely reporting. However, the discussion of cross-border cooperation and the Enterprise train service has been ongoing for several years, with previous reports and initiatives dating back to 2018. This suggests that while the article is current, the topic itself is not new. Additionally, the article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([railway-news.com](https://railway-news.com/translink-irish-rail-launch-cross-border-rail-strategic-development-plan/?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score: 7

Notes: The article includes direct quotes from Michelle McIlveen and Chris Conway. A search reveals that similar statements from these individuals have been reported in previous articles, indicating that the quotes may have been reused. However, no exact matches were found, suggesting potential originality or exclusivity. The lack of online matches for some quotes raises the score but also flags them as potentially original or exclusive content.

Source reliability

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative originates from the Belfast Telegraph, a reputable news organisation. The article is authored by Sam McBride, a known journalist with a history of reporting on Northern Ireland's political and social issues. This adds credibility to the report.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims made in the narrative align with known facts and recent developments. The ESRI report from April 2025 highlights the underutilisation of cross-border cooperation, and the concerns about Brexit's impact on the Good Friday Agreement are well-documented. The tone and language used are consistent with typical journalistic standards. However, the article's reliance on previously reported statements and the recycling of older material suggest that while the information is plausible, it may not be entirely original.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative is timely and originates from a reputable source, with plausible claims supported by recent developments. However, the recycling of older material and the reuse of quotes from previous reports raise questions about the originality of the content. The lack of exact matches for some quotes suggests potential exclusivity, but the overall reliance on previously reported information indicates that the article may not offer new insights.

Good Friday Agreement
Cross-border cooperation
Enterprise train service
Brexit
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland